Skype is a free service which allows you to connect with people around the world — for free. You can also use the video feature of Skype to see others.

In the following interview, I use Skype to talk with Stefan Oberg, the Vice President and General Manager of Skype Business Development. He is based in Skype’s London office and I recorded this video interview recently with him.

Watch this video and discover ways in which you can build your own bottom line with Skype video. I’m using this technology now with my coaching and helping others in a practical, real way around the world to build their own business. In tough economic times you need a cost-effective tool to gain a competitive advantage. This tool can help you get a decisive advantage.

Enjoy this video and let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.

For more information, go to www.Skype.com or leave a comment below. I look forward to your comments and thoughts.

Terry
www.TerryBrock.com
Terry@TerryBrock.com

Internet Marketing is a hot topic today. Many are turning to it as a way to realize their dreams and to weather today’s economic storms. Watch this interview with Brian Edmondson and discover how you can use easy methods to build your own business on the Internet.

Terry Brock
www.Terry Brock.com

Brian Edmondson is Director of the Internet Money Club (www.InternetMoneyClub.net) which is part of the offerings from EarlyToRise.com, the world’s leader in health, wealth and lifestyle learning.

Find People And Things, Market Right And Keep Chargers Simple

By Terry L. Brock

Technology continues to make our lives easier and better.  When it is used properly it can help us find lost things — and people.  It can also make life better for customers and marketers.  Also, with the right technology you can simplify all those wonderful devices (cell phones, computers, cameras, etc. that you like to have with you.

This week we look at two technologies which can help you make life easier and provide more peace of mind.  We also look at one technology that is marketing their services in an innovative way that shows how to serve customers better and increase profits.

Locate Important Things — And People

ZoomBak provides a technology to help you locate things and people if they are lost.  This technology consists of a small box — think matchbox size — which can be hidden in objects you don’t want to lose.  If that object wanders outside your pre-designated area, you get a text message, email or both.  No need for cell phones, etc.  It can let you know precisely where the person (or even your dog) is if they leave your pre-set safety zone.

Yes, we know your children really, really, really (notice the emphasis) went to the library for that 4 hour stretch.  Uh huh!  However, you notice that the car actually was at their friend’s house for about 15 minutes then over at the local mall for 3 hours.  Zoombak acts as your “private eyes” when you can’t be there.

ZoomBak can be used in a business context with company cars and tracking.  It can also be used in other objects.  Just position it there and the GPS takes over sending out the signal to make sure it is tracked properly.

This is an example of how technology can make life easier and simpler — not to mention potentially safer.

(ZoomBak, http://www.zoombak.com/, prices vary from $199.99 – $249.99 plus monthly service fees, depending on plan)

iGo— Simplify Your Charging
I love useful technology gadgets.  I love my iPhone, iPod and portable MacBook Pro.  Yet to charge them all, I have carried a boatload of wires and larger chargers.  When I carry everything on board that makes for a heavy roller cart.  Checking them through increases the weight and the likelihood of being assessed extra weight fees for luggage by the airlines.  (As I sidenote: How come as gas prices fell, the airlines didn’t revoke the extra-luggage weight fees they imposed when gas prices were so high?  Just wondering).

Today with the iGo everywhereMAX, you can carry one charger and all your devices, including your laptop, for ease of charging — under certain conditions.  I’ll tell you those conditions in a moment, but the concept is brilliant.  You can charge not only your Treo, Blackberry, iPod and other small devices, but also your laptop.  This can make traveling much easier.  Now you can charge your laptop and one other device with this new technology.

The caveat is that it doesn’t work with all devices.  They have a few hundred they support and the company has done a marvelous job with that.  However, for me, they don’t have the authorization from Apple to charge my MacBook Pro.  This is Apple’s problem, not iGo, but it still hits me as a MacBook Pro user.

This everywhereMAX device is worth investigating if you have an iGo supported laptop computer and another device (like your Blackberry, Treo, etc.).  Check with iGo before purchasing it to make sure your particular devices are supported.

(iGo everywhereMAX, $139.99, www.igo.com)

Fyretv.Com – How To Market Today

I’m a student of Marketing.  I love seeing innovative ways to market.  One of the leaders in marketing has been the adult ivideo ndustry with their marketing on video, then DVD and now over the Net.  I had the chance to look at a company recently that shows a pioneering way to market.

It is called fyretv.com and they provide a service that can teach all of us Marketers some important lessons.  They provide a box that hooks up to your cable, or to the Internet, to download content on a monthly basis.  For $9.95 each month (the box is free) you can download up to 100 hours of content.  Additional hours run $9.95 for up to 100 additional minutes.

By providing the box for free they create a desire for retention.  Fyretv also provides upselling by offering premium content and specials for loyal customers.  The images are DVD quality and provided streaming.  This means no nicks or chips on a rented DVD.

This is the way to go for the future.  Not only is it easy to use, downloads are fast (depending on your connection speed) and the service is affordable.  All businesses can learn from this approach to provide content through a free device that charges a monthly fee.  Once you have a loyal base of users, you want to keep them happy and work towards enhancing their experiences and purchasing history with you.   This is how to market in this economy and into the future.  (www.fyretv.com – $9.95/month, adult content over the Net or CableTV )

Copyright © 2009, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc.  Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results.  He can be reached at 407-363-0505, by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.

If you, or someone you know, is in the job market, this video (and the book it discusses) is a must for you.  I had the chance recently to interview Brenda Bence.  She is an author and professional speaker who lives in Bangkok, Thailand.  She has writte a fabulous book called, How YOU (TM) are like Shampoo For Job Seekers.

Even if you aren’t in the job market right now, this video can help you learn what customers (or future employers) look for.  Brenda knows her stuff and comes from a wealth of experience in speaking with corporations around the world.

Enjoy the video and then leave your comments below.  You can help others with ideas and suggestions as well as let them know about yourself.  I found Brenda Bence’s book to be enormously helpful, packed with real-world ideas on how to position yourself for getting hired.  In any economy this book would be good.  In today’s economy it is a must-read!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Terry

Terry Brock

www.TerryBrock.com
Terry@TerryBrock.com

By Terry Brock

In tough times it is more important than ever for you to have a competitive advantage. Small business has regularly leveraged new technologies to gain a force multiplier over larger, more well-heeled competitors. That is our strength! We don’t have to wait for some fancy committee to meet and approve it. We don’t have to go through 14 layers of people to get political buy-in. We just decide to do something and then do it! The same with getting a raise: If you want a raise you don’t have to ask anyone for it — you just go out and earn it!

Here are some simple, inexpensive technologies which can give you a competitive advantage as you’re in today’s world.

Powerful Portable Storage To Get The Job Done

Recently I had the chance to see a couple of new technologies from Ridata. I’ve talked about their products before and each year they come out with very useful, inexpensive technologies.

This year they have a variety of USB Flash drives ranging from 2GB to 16GB. This is not breakthrough in design (we’ve all seen USB drives before) but the concept is revolutionary for an application. As a busy, mobile professional, you can couple one of these 16GB or 32GB drives (coming soon) with a very small, lightweight laptop (think Netbook computer) to have security and the ability to retain important information. You will be more portable and mobile while securing your data better (as long as you maintain physical security over your USB drive).

You can store all your data on the larger-sized USB drives in most cases. You can even store programs on these drives. When you can carry that drive with you it frees you from having to even bring your laptop in many cases. You could borrow a friend’s computer or use an Internet Café. This is a breakthrough, freeing idea.

Ridata also demonstrated their 128GB SSD (Solid State Drive) which can be configured as either an internal or external drive. The SSD drives, while costing more than traditional hard drives, can access data faster, be less prone to damage since there are no moving parts and they last longer (say good bye to disk crashes). Oh, and they use less power so they are more green.

When you can carry a small 128GB external drive with you attached to the computer of your choice, you open up a lot of possibilities for working from anywhere and getting the job done. One of these equipped with a small 2 lb. Netbook can give you all the computing power needed in most cases.

Now if we could only get a USB slot on our iPhones, Blackberries
(www.Ridata.com, Prices range from $9.95 to a few hundred, depending on device and size)

Charge ‘Em All – Or At Least Some

One of the areas where I see a lot of growth is in what I call “consolidation chargers.” As we acquire more devices like Blackberries, iPods, Bluetooth devices, we get tired of all the wires and chargers we have to drag on airplanes or check through. With the charges airlines are levying with increased weight, this because a serious on-going cost for today’s business traveler.

Enter the “consolidation chargers.” These devices use a philosophy of providing one charger and several “tips” to connect individual devices. The theory is you buy one charger and then purchase the unique tips work for your devices.

I plan to focus on other “consolidation chargers” in future columns, but this week, let’s look at the Callpod 6-in-1 charger. It retails for $39.95 and weighs about 35 grams. Very nice. I used it to successfully charge my iPod, my iPhone, my Bluetooth device and my Mophie charger (yes, charging my charger).

I find an interesting concept in this area. It is what I call the “Tip O’Neil Philosophy.” What is that? Well, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill was the Speaker of the House back in the 80’s who often ran into disagreement with President Reagan. Tip O’Neil made the famous observation that “all politics is local.” People really don’t care much about all that is happening with politics, except how it affects them personally.

Device chargers are the same. I really don’t care how many devices they are capable of charging — as long as they can charge mine. For instance, I’m glad to see that the Callpod charges my iPhone and iPod. Nice that it has a USB adapter so I can charge one or two other devices I have. However, it bothers me that I can’t use it to charge my Sanyo Xacti or my Nikon CoolPix. Yes, those are cameras and camcorders that are not as popular so I understand it from Callpod’s point of view and can’t really fault them for not having my adapters. However, because I use them and need to charge them and they are MINE (can you hear the intensity in my voice?) I want them! (Said with all the childish temper-tantrum energy I can muster!)

The answer for you? Check with Callpod or any other manufacturer before buying the unit to make sure it will charge your particular devices. They include adapters for Blackberries, Treos, Windows Mobile devices and more. This is great. But, since I don’t have any of those, it really doesn’t matter to me (see how the Tip O’Neil philosophy applies in the real world!). Another tip: Aim for USB-charging devices. You’ll have more chance of your device working with whatever comes on the market.

Overall, I am very pleased with the Callpod. I look forward to using the Callpod as I travel. Hey even when home it will be good to have all that I need for charging some of my essential electronic devices in one small, easy-to-carry (and locate) charging bag. For $39.95 plus $9.95 for the additional adapters, it is a bargain! (www.Callpod.com)

Copyright © 2009, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached at 407-363-0505, by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.

From the Notebook Computer of Terry Brock
Feature in EarlyToRise.com about my interview – “Overcoming Fear of Being Interviewed”
Saturday, 17 January 2009

I was both surprised and delighted to see the feature today on the world’s best newsletter for Health, Wealth and Personal Development, EarlyToRise.com. In that article, the Editor, Suzanne Richardson, discussed the interview I had with her.

Here’s the link so you can read exactly what she said in today’s feature:

Suzanne Richardson on Terry Brock and Video

—or—

http://tinyurl.com/8e5xzr (same link but shorter version)

And here’s a bonus for you as a reader of Achievement Update from me— something the readers of EarlyToRise.com don’t have in their article but just for you— the original video link. I think Suzanne did a very good job but we’ll let you see the full thing.

Original Interview with Suzanne

We had a wonderful time sharing about how they have built their list to over 430,000 subscribers with a 7-day-a-week publication (!). If you want to build your own list, this is a great video to watch. The few minutes you’ll invest will be well worth it and help you build you own list.

Let me know whatcha’ think. I look forward to hearing from you.

Terry
Terry@TerryBrock.
www.TerryBrock.com

These are some earbuds that are magnificent.  I’ve used the Compy foam ear buds for a while.  Now the company has a new set of earbuds that are good with the iPhone like never before.  Watch this short (just a little over 2 minutes) video to discover what they can do for you.

You’ll enjoy learning about what is possible today with cushiony, foam earbuds customized to your own ear.

Watch this video about the Diamond-X Bluetooth Headset from iVoice.  It has some very nice features, including the text-to-speech ability to tell you audibly who is calling if they are stored on your address book.

This short (less than 2:30) video will help you if you’re considering a Bluetooth device.  This is a very good one to have.  I recommend it.

By Terry L. Brock

The goal of any tool, like technology, is to make your life easier and enable you to get more done with it than you ever could without it.  When technology can make your life better and safer, you are on to something that can give you a decisive advantage in business.

In this column I’ll you  four specific technologies that can help you be more productive and keep you —- and your technology – much safer.  Any business owner or businessperson can benefit from these.  You’ll see videos of these to describe them in more detail at www.TerryBrock.com .

Sound Fit To Hear Better, Save Your Ears

We hear a lot about the dangers of listening to music that is too loud.  Children particularly need to know about this and adjust the volume accordingly.

Able Planet is a company I’ve known for years that is dedicated to making your listening experience safer and more pleasant. They blend in technology using advanced circuitry called Linx, Audio to minimize the harsh, loud volume and enhance the rich sounds for music and spoken word.

The company has announced a new product called Sound Fit which delivers better sound while you adjust the volume lower.  The removable, disposable ear buds provide a deep listening experience while keeping your ears safe.

Expected to retail in the $30 range, these ear buds give you the ability to lower your volume yet hear richer, fuller sounds.  To see a video interview with Kevin Semcken, the CEO of Able Planet on this, go to:
http://www.terrybrock.com/2009/01/ableplanetearbuds/ or for more information on the company, contact www.ableplanet.com,

Diamond X Bluetooth From iVoice

Bluetooth is the technology that allows you to wirelessly connect devices. It has been around for several years and is now integrally linked with safety for taking on a mobile phone while driving.  Now more than ever, safety is related to Bluetooth.

I’ve been using the Diamond X Bluetooth device with my iPhone recently and have been very pleased with the results.  This device retails for $119.00.  I found the clarity of a variety of calls to be consistently strong and understandable.  I made it a point to ask people I was speaking with how my voice sounded and they consistently said it was very good — even paralleling a land line.

An added feature on this unit is the ability for the device to use text to speech announcing the caller.  If your caller is in your address book, you’ll hear an announcement of who it is.  This is like a audio caller id when you’re busy and mobile.  It can save you from talking to that persistent brother-in-law who is trying to sell you his new multi-level marketing scheme.  Now, that can be real safety!

Fujitsu S1500 Scanner

Scanners are a great way to control the paper jungle.  With the new Fujitsu S1500 (expected release in Spring of this year), you have an easy way to process that mass of paper in your life.

The S1500 scanner will handle various sizes of paper at the same time.  It scans both sides, in color and processes it at a rate of 20 pages per minute.  With this technology you are safe from losing important information that can be vital (think tax returns, important receipts, contact information, etc).  You can see a video of this in action at:
http://www.terrybrock.com/2009/01/fujitsu_s1500_scanner/

A very nice feature built into the software is the ability to recognize cards in various languages.  I’m studying Russian and Japanese now and have cards with both languages.  So, in my “go ahead and show me if this works” attitude I asked the Fujitsu reps to scan my cards with Russian and Japanese.  I was flabbergasted at the proficiency and accuracy it demonstrated.  The cards were sorted properly and put into the right categories on the software.

For building relationships in business, this is a must-have.  It is much easier than previous devices and will help give you a competitive advantage.  When Spring comes and this unit is available. It is worth considering for the $495.00 retail price.

S1500 Scanner, www.fujitsu.com/us, $495.00 (Spring Availability)

Lo/Jack For Laptops

Safety for your laptop is vital in a world where thieves are getting smarter.  Absolute Software has developed a Lo/Jack for Laptops which embeds coding within the BIOS of a laptop computer.  If your computer has this feature, called CompuTrace built into the BIOS, it can signal every 15 minutes the location of the computer.

The technology uses triangulation to find the most recent location of your laptop.  Most thieves will not remove the BIOS (it can devalue the computer).  So, Lo/Jack for laptops comes to your rescue alerting you and legal authorities the whereabouts of your stolen laptop.

Prices run $39.99/yr for basic or $59.99/yr. for a premium service.  For the safety of your laptop, this could be just what you need — not to mention your own peace of mind.

www.Absolute.com

Copyright © 2009, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc.  Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results.  He can be reached at 407-363-0505, by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.

Fujitsu is planning to release a new scanner that will impress you. In a small business, you have to get a lot done fast. You also need to retain important information and business cards.

Watch this demo of the upcoming Fujitsu S1500 scanner which has to be the best low-priced scanner I’ve seen. It handles 20 pages per minute, both sides, in color, different sizes of paper (just watch the demo) and does it easily.

Then you can add business cards quickly. Watch how it processes my card with English on one side and Russian on the other. It categorizes and files the cards accurately. Nice unit. I wish it weighed less than 6 lbs. but for what it does, you will want to check this out. Watch the short (less than 6 minute) video below and see what I mean.